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Mustangs claim Homecoming victory over Hill City, 16-12

On Sept. 25 the Kelliher/Northome Mustangs football team claimed their first victory of the season with a 16-12 come from behind victory over the Hill City Hornets. The victory was especially sweet because it marked the 2009 homecoming game for the Mustangs.

Hill City forged a 12-0 half time lead taking full advantage of Mustang mistakes. Though the hosts put together three good drives in the first half fumbles and penalties thwarted their efforts to score.

The Hornets took to the air fooling the Mustang defense with a half back pass for one touchdown and taking advantage of a defensive lapse for their second. Football is a team game and any player not doing their assignment on one play can be the difference.

The Mustangs came out ready to play in the second half stopping the visitors deep in their own zone on the kickoff. By correcting their errors they were able to complete a few passes which opened up the running game.

Using the option play behind the strong right side of the line the hosts marched down the field to score. Quarterback Evan Nelson gained many of the yards taking good advantage of his team's blocks.

Among the blockers leading the way were linemen Caleb Lindley, Allen Lindquist, Lance Pink, Cody Graupman and Charlie Schuh. The conversion pulled the hosts within four points at 12-8.

The Mustangs defense again held and the offense was again able to move to the endzone to take the lead to the delight of the spectators. The two point conversion put the home team up 16-12. Though they did not score again, they were able to run out the clock by picking up a couple of first downs mainly with Dalton Lindley blasting up the middle.

The Mustang offense picked up 323 yards in a banner game. They had twelve first downs on the ground and completed five of seven pass attempts. Coach Derrick Gross was pleased with the great team effort throughout the game. The defense did a great job causing four fumbles and recovering two of them. He also noted that three defenders reached double digits in tackles. Gross also mentioned that a pair of freshmen played very well stepping up their game to make big plays.